Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Author Savvy: Dumb is Always Comes Before Smart

To Become a MASTER … Authors Begin the Journey as a DUMMY

Dummy Sheep TRN

Throughout the year, my favorite Geek Girl, Kelly Johnson and I create a mini intensive on a specific topic … the goal is always to talk our small enclave of dummies to ace users over a three hour period of time. In the three years, we have delivered Tech Tool Boxes for the AuthorU community, the transition never fails.
Being DUMB and IGNORANT is the starting point to becoming highly proficient and SMART. At each session, are timid, curious, frustrated and dumb participants display some level of resistance. They know there’s “something” in that pile that could just be the perfect gizmo or gadget to add to their Tech Tool Box … yet … the almost fearfulness of “brain damage/drain” or just more time sucking is in the eyes.
Kelly and my objective is to always reveal tricks and tips to the “tool” we are covering; reveal just why it could be the cat’s meow to support their authoring and publishing endeavors; and of course, have fun in the process.
But—the sometimes “OMG, what am I doing here” look in the eyes is revealed … sometimes, it is verbalized.

DUMB is always the Staring Point of Being SMART

I confess up front … do I routinely use every tool consistently that we focus on during the session? No … but the ones that I learn about from Kelly that I hadn’t already been familiar with (I too can be in the official dummy crowd) opens a new window of opportunity. I have become a MASTER is a variety of areas of publishing. Each journey began with ignorance—at times, I felt I was a dummy of all things.
My 30+ year journey through the publishing maze has delivered an array of experiences, ahas and yes, crashes. I now can quickly evaluate whether it makes sense to keep using and mastering … or to just put it in my “good to know” file the truckload of tools that I come across.
  • Is the opportunity right for me?
  • Does it fit and support the work that I do?
  • Does it add to my social media marketing?
  • Is it something that my full time VA can use to enhance my social media that she puts out daily?
  • Does it open up an avenue that I haven’t thought about?
Because I allowed myself to be DUMB, I enable myself to begin the journey to being a MASTER. How cool is that?
As an author, no matter where you are on the path: just starting—almost there to completion of your manuscript or with book in hand—frustration is most likely a familiar road sign you’ve encountered.
Drive through it. Those 15, 30, even 60 minutes of being overwhelmed, frustrated and let’s face it: feeling/saying, “Screw it,” and wanting to throw in the towel may be the seed to a giant WOOT! I’ve been there, done that.

Complacency will never move you to mastery in anything. Curiosity and Persistence will. Embrace your dumbness and celebrate the coming smartness. 



Ashography Event Photography
Judith Briles is a book publishing expert and coach. She empowers authors and signature - Judith PNGis the Founder of Author U, a membership organization created for the serious author who wants to be seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. Judith is the author of 34 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms (ForeWord IndieFab Book of the Year), Snappy Sassy Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers and a speaker at publishing conferences. Book #34 was published this summer: The CrowdFunding Guide for Authors & Writers. Get your copy.
Become part of her inner circle by joining the Author’s Ark and exclusive monthly webinar and coaching event. Each summer, she holds Judith Briles Book Publishing Unplugged, a three day intensive limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. In 2015, the dates are August 27-29th.  Her audio and workbook series, Creating Your Book and Author Platform is now available. Join Judith live on Thursdays at 6 p.m. EST for Author U – Your Guide to Book Publishing on the Toginet Network at bit.ly/PublishingShow .
Follow @AuthorU and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” at AuthorU and Judith Briles – TheBookShepherd on Facebook. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact Judith at Judith@Briles.com.

header-logo1.pngAuthor U is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the author who wants to be seriously successful. Monthly education programs delivered face-to-face and online, The Author Resource ezine, BookCamps and the annual Author U Extravaganza are tools designed for authors pre, during and post publishing of their books. Join AuthorU.org today.
 If you are looking for FREE author and book coaching ... call in to Judith's Author Monday Mornings at NOON Eastern each Monday. The number is 218-632-9854; Access Code 1239874444 ... have your questions ready--there's a full hour to ask and listen.

Tangled Web They Weave Time with Publishing Scammers

Oh … the surprises that get buried within the Holiday merriment. Here’s what happened in Predatorland on December 31, 2015:

“Penguin Random House has sold its Author Solutions division to an affiliate of the Najafi Companies, a private investment firm that at one point owned Bookspan and made an offer to buy several hundred Borders outlets after the chain filed for Chapter 11was spotted in a Publishers Weekly blurb.
Author House

Their three year affair (Penguin Random Book’s 2012 courting and acquisition) appears not to be the amour anticipated. Author Solution’s and its various imprints have lost ground. Some imprints were shuttled in 2014: LifeWay’s Crossbooks and Harlequin’s DellArte Press along with Abbott Press that had been developed with Writer’s Digest and F&W Media. In 2013, Bowker reveal that there were major production declines within the Author Solution imprints.

I would love to think that the massive number of loud shouts outs by myself and many other courageous publishing consultants is behind the decline in overall Author Solution sales. Most likely, the mirror will say—look to the giant online publishing gorilla: Amazon.
With the creation of CreateSpace, Amazon’s entry into the self-publishing arena, I suspect that it has gleefully noticed that as its published book numbers grew, Author Solutions declined. In early 2013 (just after the marriage of Penguin and Author Solutions), Bowker’s latest report in 2013 showed that total output for Author Solutions fell to 44,574, a decrease of 5,311 from the preceding year. Over in Amazon’s CreateSpace land, 186,926 books birthed, an increase of  55,466 books. Who knows what the numbers were this past year.
They deal closed on the last day of December with no terms being disclosed. Penguin paid $116 million in 2012 … I wonder if the company wished they had done a “Publishing Big Short” and never got involved? With the reputation of rotten customer service, payment questions and grossly over-priced “add-on” services—the $14,000 marketing package is a real head-turner—only time will tell. Eventually, the sale amount will surface. Maybe Penguin made a profit?

For me, knowing that 5,311 less books … most likely 5,311 authors side-stepped Author Solutions tendrils puts a smile on my face.




Ashography Event Photography
Judith Briles is a book publishing expert and coach. She empowers authors and signature - Judith PNGis the Founder of Author U, a membership organization created for the serious author who wants to be seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. Judith is the author of 34 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms (ForeWord IndieFab Book of the Year), Snappy Sassy Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers and a speaker at publishing conferences. Book #34 was published this summer: The CrowdFunding Guide for Authors & Writers. Get your copy.
Become part of her inner circle by joining the Author’s Ark and exclusive monthly webinar and coaching event. Each summer, she holds Judith Briles Book Publishing Unplugged, a three day intensive limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. In 2015, the dates are August 27-29th.  Her audio and workbook series, Creating Your Book and Author Platform is now available. Join Judith live on Thursdays at 6 p.m. EST for Author U – Your Guide to Book Publishing on the Toginet Network at bit.ly/PublishingShow .
Follow @AuthorU and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” at AuthorU and Judith Briles – TheBookShepherd on Facebook. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact Judith at Judith@Briles.com.

header-logo1.pngAuthor U is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the author who wants to be seriously successful. Monthly education programs delivered face-to-face and online, The Author Resource ezine, BookCamps and the annual Author U Extravaganza are tools designed for authors pre, during and post publishing of their books. Join AuthorU.org today.
 If you are looking for FREE author and book coaching ... call in to Judith's Author Monday Mornings at NOON Eastern each Monday. The number is 218-632-9854; Access Code 1239874444 ... have your questions ready--there's a full hour to ask and listen.

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Don’t Be a Screwed Up, Misguided, Resistant Author at Work

caution author at work

Holy Moley … I just got off the phone with one of the many trust publishing service providers I work with and refer clients to. This time, I was the listener to my colleague’s rant—she was exhausted in working with a particular client … on that always had the “but” in her vocabulary, ready to flow at a moment’s wink. Repeated phone and Skype calls asking the same questions over and over. When the solution/response was generated, virtual heels were dug in.
What gives? Should there be a Caution Alert posted … maybe for the benefit of all:

Caution: Screwed Up, Misguided, Resistant Author in the Midst

Authors … when you are engaging consultants … either in the interview stage to see if working with them is a fit or you have hired them … LISTEN. Don’t talk over them and interrupt. Their years of experience is what will make your book, website, art work, structure, etc., sing. Are the situations when they are the wrong fit? Of course –that’s what the interview or a sample of work is all about.

And … just because you don’t have face-to-face time with them doesn’t mean that they aren’t noodling your book or in many cases, doing direct work on it. There isn’t a consultant that I work with who doesn’t generously give of his or her time where the author gets a “free ride” and is never billed. It's what many of us do because we believe ... you need to as well.




Ashography Event Photography
Judith Briles is a book publishing expert and coach. She empowers authors and is the Founder of Author U, asignature-full TRN membership organization created for the serious author who wants to be seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. Judith is the author of 34 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms (ForeWord IndieFab Book of the Year), Snappy Sassy Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers and a speaker at publishing conferences. Book #34 was published this summer: The CrowdFunding Guide for Authors & Writers. Get your copy.
Become part of her inner circle by joining the Author’s Ark and exclusive monthly webinar and coaching event. Each summer, she holds Judith Briles Book Publishing Unplugged, a three day intensive limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. In 2015, the dates are August 27-29th.  Her audio and workbook series, Creating Your Book and Author Platform is now available. Join Judith live on Thursdays at 6 p.m. EST for Author U – Your Guide to Book Publishing on the Toginet Network at bit.ly/PublishingShow .
Follow @AuthorU and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” at AuthorU and Judith Briles – TheBookShepherd on Facebook. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact Judith at Judith@Briles.com.

header-logo1.pngAuthor U is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the author who wants to be seriously successful. Monthly education programs delivered face-to-face and online, The Author Resource ezine, BookCamps and the annual Author U Extravaganza are tools designed for authors pre, during and post publishing of their books. Join AuthorU.org today.
 If you are looking for FREE author and book coaching ... call in to Judith's Author Monday Mornings at NOON Eastern each Monday. The number is 218-632-9854; Access Code 1239874444 ... have your questions ready--there's a full hour to ask and listen.

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

2016 Tech Toolboxes: Blogs, Pinterest, Media Pages, Technology

Kick off your planning for this NEW YEAR by participating in AuthorU's unique Tech Toolboxes.

new year

As a GOLD or BESTSELLER member of AuthorU, you have the ability to attend the monthly Tech Toolboxes. Designed for in-person or remote participation, they are limBEST SELLERited in sGOLDdenize to 8 participants so that each AuthorU member experiences one-on-one coachingthroughout the three-hour session. Both Kelly Johnson and Judith Briles are your guides.

The first four months of this year will focus on some of the Basics of author success and then take you “beyond” what you can do to position your Pinterest Boards, your Blog visibility and marketing strategies for it, the fine tuning that Technology requires for author ease, and using your Media possibilities.

icon_techtoolbox
If you attend in-person, you will meet at the offices of Judith Briles: 14160 E Bellewood Dr., Aurora CO  80015. Beverage and snacks are always included.
All sessions are held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Mountain Time. A few days prior to the Tech Toolbox, you will get a reminder email of what to do pre and what to bring or have available to use as the workshop progresses during the three hours.
You must register under the Events tab on the AuthorU.org website. Cost is $59 per session or $199 for all four sessions.

Wednesday, January 20, 2016
image004

Resolving Questions and How to Implement Ideas with Technology

We’re ready to hit the ground running and start off a new year with a bang!
Let’s make sure you have a plan in place to get – and keep – your momentum going.
Bring your laptop and questions regarding various aspects of technology:
(ex: MailChimp, WordPress, Hootsuite, blogs, 1ShoppingCart, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, to name a few).

We’ll work to help answer questions and discuss how to implement your plans for programs and products technically.
This is also an opportunity to review how to use the tools that have been taught in past Tech Toolbox topics.

Bring the log in details for your accounts.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
image006


Shine the Spotlight on your Media Page

Authors – when was the last time you shined the spotlight on the media page on your website?
Interested in speaking engagements and media exposure?
The marketing of your book and business should include a media page on your site.
Join us for this Tech Toolbox to learn must-have items for your media page, bios (yes, plural!) to have posted, and review author one sheets. After this workshop, the spotlight will be so bright on your media page, you’ll have to wear shades!

Bring the log in details for your website, your headshots, book cover images, and a copy of your book.

Wednesday, March 16, 2016
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Renew, Review, Revamp and Repair Your Blog


Blogs give authors a great outlet for expressing their thoughts, expanding on ideas in their books, and generating discussions. To help ensure that your thoughts and ideas are “getting out there” to your target audience, you need to review and implement best practices when writing and posting your blogs.
In this Tech Toolbox, we will have participants log into their blog dashboards to review techniques on best methods for posting images & content, look at blogging tools, getting ideas for posts, best practices for comments/commenting and more - give your blog some TLC!

Bring the log in details to access the dashboard of your blog.

Wednesday, April 20, 2016
image010 (1)


The Power of Pinterest
Are You Stuck on Pinning … or just getting started?
Pinterest is a huge resource for building traffic to your site and book sales.
Learn how to build a powerful presence on Pinterest, discover Pinterest apps
and gain some new ideas for promoting your expertise and marketing your programs and books.
If you haven’t got a Pinterest account yet, please create it before the Tech ToolBox begins. Bring the log in details for your Pinterest account.
Tech Toolboxes are one of AuthorU’s unique benefits to members. They are fast, in-depth and fun. There is always a take-away handout to support all teaching/coaching points. It’s laptop intense—power yours up and be ready “to go” to levels and places you didn’t think you could. 

jedi-purple
AND ... a Huge PS ... tomorrow is the last day to register at a discount for the Denver program Saturday   Mornings gathering of How to Launch (or Relaunch) Your Book. Info here.
Get registered now under the Events tab on the AuthorU.org website.




Ashography Event Photography
Judith Briles is book publishing expert and coach. She empowers authors and is the Founder of Author U, a membership organization created for the serious author who wants to be seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. Judith is the author of 34 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms (ForeWord IndieFab Book of the Year), Snappy Sassy Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers and a speaker at publishing conferences. Book #34 was published this summer: The CrowdFunding Guide for Authors & Writers. Get your copy.
Become part of her inner circle by joining the Author’s Ark and exclusive monthly webinar and coaching event. Each summer, she holds Judith Briles Book Publishing Unplugged, a three day intensive limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. In 2015, the dates are August 27-29th.  Her audio and workbook series, Creating Your Book and Author Platform is now available. Join Judith live on Thursdays at 6 p.m. EST for Author U – Your Guide to Book Publishing on the Toginet Network at bit.ly/PublishingShow .
Follow @AuthorU and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” at AuthorU and Judith Briles – TheBookShepherd on Facebook. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact Judith at Judith@Briles.com.

header-logo1Author U is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the author who wants to be seriously successful. Monthly education programs delivered face-to-face and online, The Author Resource ezine, BookCamps and the annual Author U Extravaganza are tools designed for authors pre, during and post publishing of their books. Join AuthorU.org today.
 If you are looking for FREE author and book coaching ... call in to Judith's Author Monday Mornings at NOON Eastern each Monday. The number is 218-632-9854; Access Code 1239874444 ... have your questions ready--there's a full hour to ask and listen.